My guest this week Ryan Boone, Corporate Chef at QuikTrip. Ryan grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Kansas State University.. He is a prominent figure in the company’s efforts to innovate its beverage and food offerings, including the development of its new coffee program and fall-flavored items. QT is so much more than Roller Grill hot dogs, even though they are some of my favorites.
- Wichita Roots: Boone is a former Wichitan who started his career with QuikTrip while considering college or culinary school, eventually moving into the research and development department.
- Career Path: He received his culinary education on the job at QuikTrip, a path that led him from working in various stores to his current corporate chef role.
- Innovation Leader: Boone was tasked by QuikTrip leadership in 2019 with “reinventing” their coffee program to be a leader in the industry, which involved a deep dive into coffee production and trends. He has also been involved in what the company calls a “bevolution” of their tea, fountain, and frozen drink stations.
- Elevated Coffee Line: He led the development of QuikTrip’s new coffee offering, which was tested in Wichita before a national rollout.
- Seasonal Items: Boone has appeared in local media to showcase new seasonal items, such as pumpkin-flavored snacks and beverages.
- Expansion of QT Kitchens Menu: Boone is generally involved in the development of items for the entire made-to-order menu, which includes various items such as:
- Pizzas (personal and by the slice)
- Pretzels
- Toasted croissants and grilled cheese sandwiches
- Various wraps and sub sandwiches
Ryan Boone
His work focuses on bringing a chef’s passion for storytelling through food to the convenience store setting. You can find more information about his professional profile on LinkedIn.
“At QuikTrip, our signature customer service starts with our employees. QuikTrippers are dedicated to providing top notch customer service with a smile, and always being the best they can be. QuikTrip is a convenience store and gas retailer, featuring QT Kitchens® inside each store. Our menu includes fresh Pizza by the Slice and X-Large and Personal Pizza, Soft Pretzels, sub sandwiches and wraps, grilled cheese and toasted croissants, breakfast pizza, and other delicious breakfast items. We also offer soft-serve vanilla cones and QuikShakes. QuikTrip’s famous fountain is always guaranteed to quench your thirst, with more than 30 flavors of soda and tea, not to mention our frozen drinks like Freezoni® and Smoothies! And don’t forget our wide selection of Grab & Go items, including all beef hot dogs and taquitos, breakfast sandwiches, subs, salads, wraps, and donuts. We also carry a huge variety of chips, candy and other snacks. The coolers keep our bottled drinks – water, juice, soda, energy drinks, beer, and more – at a delightfully refreshing temp. Other amenities include an inside ATM, bathrooms cleaned every half hour, bagged ice, lottery and scratcher tickets, and tobacco. Whatever you need, there is sure to be a QuikTrip just around the corner, open 24 hours. We’ll see you soon!”…
2021 MCK Syrah from Yakima Valley Washington99 points – James Suckling
“The aromas leap out of the glass. Wet earth, tapenade, green peppercorns, volcanic ash and tea leaves. Hints of orange peel. It’s electric on the palate, so savory, so earthy and so minerally, with stemmy and tea-like tannins. The freshness and energy are astounding, and the finish just keeps going. Delicious syrah.” *Ranked #7, Top 100 Wines of 2024*